Module 4~9 min
How the Internet Works
The internet is a vast network that connects computers around the world so they can share information with each other.
What You'll Learn
- What the internet is at a basic level
- What an IP address does
- How data travels between computers
A Network of Networks
The internet connects countless smaller networks together -- home networks, office networks, and the networks run by internet providers -- allowing any connected device to reach any other, anywhere in the world.
Addresses and Data
Every device connected to the internet has an address, called an IP address, so that data knows exactly where to go.
Example
Sending information online is a bit like mailing a letter: it needs a correct address to arrive at the right destination, and an IP address plays that role for a device on the internet.
Key Concepts
InternetNetworkIP Address
Key Takeaways
- The internet connects networks of computers worldwide
- Every connected device has an address used to route data
- Data travels between devices using these addresses
Knowledge Check
What does a device's IP address help do?